Ampadu a wanted man as Chelsea consider January loan deal

A number of Championship clubs, including Aston Villa and Derby County, are keen on signing the Wales international defender

Ethan Ampadu is attracting interest from the likes of Derby County and Aston Villa as Chelsea consider giving him a loan move after struggling for game time under Maurizio Sarri.

The 18-year-old made seven appearances under Antonio Conte last season after signing for Chelsea from Exeter City in the summer of 2017, but he has yet to appear for the Blues this term under their new head coach.

Derby boss Frank Lampard previously expressed an interest in signing Ampadu on loan in the summer, and has seen Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori enjoy success on loan at Pride Park this season following moves from the Blues.

John Terry, meanwhile, is now assistant manager to new Villla boss Dean Smith, with Chelsea's highly-rated young striker Tammy Abraham currently on a season-long loan deal at the club.

Cardiff City also expressed an interest in signing Ampadu on loan in the summer, only for it to be rejected by Chelsea, with Sarri considering using him in the first team after an impressive pre-season.

However, Ampadu has yet to be given a chance in the team after he expressed his determination to fight for a place following the close of the summer transfer window.

"You could say there's been frustration on one hand, but at the same time I'm getting experience training with the players,” he said in September.

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“I'm just trying to improve to get into the team. This season's plans are this season's plans and at the moment I've just to keep improving to try and get in the team. I want to show the manager what I can do.”

The Wales international, who was the first player born in the 2000s to play for the Chelsea senior team, has earned five caps with the national team since making his debut in November of 2017.